HOMESTAY

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In Partnership with Sara’s Homestay

We want you to feel comfortable with your host family and love your stay in Los Angeles, so we promise to do our best in matching you with the most compatible host!

housing-international@usc.edu | international.usc.edu

The USC International Academy Homestay Program runs in cooperation with Sara’s Homestay. The program allows you to be entirely immersed in American culture, as you live, eat, and share memorable moments with an American family.

Our Families>> Reflect the diversity of Los Angeles communities, cultures, and lifestyles; of varied economic, religious, and ethnic backgrounds>> Use English as their first language>> Can be young and mature adults, retired, single, or married with or without children>> Live in a variety of housing types: apartments, homes, or townhomes

Why Choose Homestay?>> Increased opportunities to practice your English >> Chance to learn about Los Angeles community and culture >> Balance of family life and independent living>> Home locations in various neighborhoods (no more than 60 minutes from USC by public transport)

Apply online:

ivcwebapps.com/intlacademy

RESERVE YOUR SPACE TODAY!

B

HOMESTAY

housing-international@usc.edu | international.usc.edu

Various locations in Los Angeles

Discuss phone usage with your host family on arrival. Some host families have landlines which are available to students for local calls only. Long distance phone calls are not allowed in host family homes. Many host families have mobile phones only. You should be prepared to purchase an international phone calling card or purchase a mobile calling plan after arrival as you may need to contact your host regularly.

Laundry facilities will depend on your individual homestay; please discuss with your host family upon arrival. It is your responsibility to wash your own clothes, whether in your host’s washing machine (if they have one) or at a local Laundromat. It is NOT your host’s job to do your laundry. Shared laundry machines (in an apartment or a laundromat) are coin or card operated and the student will be responsible for paying. The average cost per load of laundry (wash and dry) in an American laundromat is USD $3-$5.

It is common for American families to have a pet living at home (usually a cat or dog). If you are allergic to pets, you must inform USC International Academy by listing all allergies on the application form.

Most hosts families don’t smoke and will request smokers to go outside. In Los Angeles it is illegal to smoke in public places. It is also general courtesy to ask someone for permission to smoke next to them (even if you are outside).

Information is subject to change. Published April 2015.

Homestay students can expect to receive the following items throughout their stay: a key to the home, a bed in a private bedroom, pillow(s), bed linen, closet space, a desk and chair, and towels and blanket. You will have access to a bathroom within the home and may have access to the kitchen with permission from the host. You may have to share the bathroom with host family members and/or other students living at the homestay with you.

Telephone Use

InternetMost families have either wireless or wired Internet in their home. Plan to bring your own mobile device or laptop. There is free WiFi on the USC campus.

Laundry

Pets

Meals: What to Expect

Lunch

Breakfast

You are responsible for purchasing your own lunch on campus or at a nearby restaurant of your choice.

Get to Know Your Host FamilyYou will receive an information profile of your host family prior to arriving to their home. You can expect to receive your homestay details approximately 2 weeks before your program start date. This information will include your host family name, address, phone number, and email.

We highly encourage you to contact your host family to get to know them upon arrival.

Check In / Check OutSend your arrival details to International Academy as well as your host family. Plan to arrive to your homestay on the move-in date listed on your host family booking confirmation. You leave your homestay on the move-out date unless you extend your homestay program with 4 weeks’ notice.

Contact housing-international@usc.edu to arrange your airport transfer. Please note that there is $150 fee for one airport pick up.

Students use public transportation (bus metro, or train) to get around Los Angeles. Your host will help you find your way to and from school on your first day. Travel time will depend on the location of your host family, but should not exceed 60 minutes.

Los Angeles enjoys moderate temperatures. Summers are dry and hot with average temperatures of 75°F (24°C) and cooler evening temperatures. The rainy season begins in December but only about 15 inches (38 cm) of rainfall occurs per year. Winters are cool, with average temperatures between 55-59°F (13-15°C). Spring and Fall are generally milder.

Airport Pick-Up

Getting Around LA

Local Climate

A continental breakfast is occasionally a light meal and consists of cereal or toast with jam, fruit, juice, coffee or tea. This meal will either be prepared by the host for you or will be available for you in order to prepare your own meal.

Meals in the United States may be different from the food you are familiar with in your country. Traditional meals have become less common in American homes. More frequently, breakfasts and lunches are made by yourself, and dinners are eaten in a hurry or in front of a television. While it is possible that your host family likes to sit down together for meals, be prepared for the possibility that this will not happen on a regular basis.

All host families are required to provide you with a continental breakfast.

If you want to cook your own food, it is necessary to ask for permission first in order to use the fridge,

Smoking

CleaningAs a new member of the family, you may have to follow certain household rules, such as cleaning your room, helping with routine household tasks, and washing your own laundry.

DinnerDinner is not included in the homestay price, but may be provided at an additional cost. Contact USC International Academy for details.

If you are allergic to any foods, you must inform USC International Academy by listing all allergies on the application form. Please also let your host be aware of any food allergies or food restriction diets that you may have.

Food-Related Allergies